🇦🇪 Schengen Visa from Dubai/UAE
Living in the UAE and planning a Europe trip? Good news - you can apply for Schengen visa from Dubai without going back to your home country. Here's everything you need to know.
Who Can Apply from UAE?
- ✅ UAE residents with valid residence visa
- ✅ Expats from India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc.
- ✅ People working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
- ✅ Valid Emirates ID holders
Important: Your UAE residence visa should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date from Europe.
Visa at a Glance (from UAE)
| Visa Fee | €90 (≈ AED 360) |
|---|---|
| VFS Service Fee | AED 130-180 |
| Processing Time | 10-15 working days |
| Apply Via | VFS Global (most countries) |
VFS Centers in UAE
Dubai
- Location: Wafi Mall area (most embassies)
- Working hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8am-3pm
Abu Dhabi
- Location: Various locations by country
- Working hours: Sunday-Thursday
Always check the specific VFS website for your destination country.
Documents Required (UAE Applicants)
Standard Documents
- ✅ Original passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- ✅ Completed visa application form
- ✅ Passport photos (35×45mm, white background)
- ✅ Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- ✅ Flight itinerary
- ✅ Hotel booking
- ✅ Travel itinerary
UAE Residence Proof (IMPORTANT)
- ✅ Emirates ID - Front and back copy
- ✅ UAE Residence Visa - Page from passport
- ✅ Visa validity check - From GDRFA (ICA) website
- ✅ NOC from employer - If employed in UAE
Financial Proof
- ✅ UAE bank statements (3-6 months)
- ✅ Salary certificate from UAE employer
- ✅ Salary slips (last 3 months)
- ✅ Employment contract (sometimes requested)
Special Tip for Indian Expats
As an Indian living in UAE, you have advantages:
- ✅ Faster processing than from India
- ✅ Stronger financial profile (UAE salary)
- ✅ No need to travel back to India to apply
- ✅ Weekend trips to Europe are easy
Pro Tip: UAE residence makes you look financially stable. Highlight your UAE employment and savings!
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose destination country - Apply to main destination or first entry
- Book VFS appointment online
- Gather all documents - See checklist above
- Fill application form - Online or at VFS
- Visit VFS center - Submit documents + biometrics
- Pay fees - Visa fee + VFS service charge
- Track application - Using reference number
- Collect passport - Or opt for courier delivery
Popular Destinations from UAE
- 🇫🇷 France - Paris just 7 hours away
- 🇮🇹 Italy - Rome, Venice, Milan
- 🇩🇪 Germany - Frankfurt is a hub
- 🇪🇸 Spain - Barcelona, Madrid
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland - Alps and luxury
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands - Amsterdam weekend trips
Can Family Apply Together?
Yes! If your spouse and children have UAE residence visas, they can apply together:
- Submit applications at the same time
- Include marriage/birth certificates
- One person can sponsor the whole family
- Children under 12 pay reduced visa fee
FAQs
My UAE visa expires soon. Can I still apply?
Your UAE visa should be valid for 3+ months after your return from Europe. If not, renew it first.
Can I apply from UAE on a visit visa?
No. You need a valid UAE residence visa to apply from UAE. Visit visa holders should apply from their home country.
Which bank statements - UAE or home country?
Primarily UAE bank statements. You can add home country statements as additional support.